Energy crisis: Audi boss demands speed limit and driving bans
Created: 2022-10-27 04:58
By: Lisa Mayerhofer
Audi boss Markus Duesmann is open to car-free days and speed limits.
© Olivier Matthys/AP/dpa
The energy crisis has Germany firmly in its grip.
Against this background, Audi boss Markus Duesmann advocates car-free days and a speed limit.
Ingolstadt – Environmental groups have been demanding speed limits and driving bans since the beginning of the energy crisis.
Now these measures have found an unusual advocate from the automotive industry: Audi boss Markus Duesmann has also shown himself to be open to these ideas.
Audi boss Duesmann on speed limit: "We have to rethink"
"In order to get us in Germany better attuned to the situation and the need to save, there could be car-free days again, like in the 1970s," said the CEO of the Volkswagen group of the
Süddeutsche Zeitung
.
A speed limit can also be a helpful symbol.
"We have to rethink, realize that our lives are changing."
High fuel prices are already having an impact on the driving behavior of many citizens.
He sees “already on the Autobahn that people are running out of money,” Duesmann told the newspaper.
More and more drivers would not drive faster than 100 kilometers per hour.
Nevertheless, money "as the only regulator" is not enough for the current extraordinary situation.
Should there be car-free days, Duesmann would also use them privately, he said: "If it's a Sunday, I'll ride my racing bike on the closed highway."
Despite high electricity prices: Audi is sticking to its electric car strategy
Duesmann also sees major changes coming to the Audi Group.
The CEO told the
Süddeutsche Zeitung
that Audi does not have to lower its forecasts yet.
"But something is coming our way, we can't rule anything out," said Duesmann.
This is also discussed in the management circle.
"I don't tend to worry.
But the current situation is keeping me busy.”
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Because the corona pandemic, a lack of semiconductors and delays in the supply chains had slowed down car production for a long time, the order books have filled up.
The Audi boss said: "At the moment we can't keep up with production, but what about in a year?" A long war is worrying people, they are holding back on purchasing decisions.
High inflation could be accompanied by a recession.
"Other brands in the Group may be able to produce combustion cars a few years longer than planned if the energy situation remains the same in the coming years," said Duesmann, who is also a member of the Volkswagen Group Board of Management.
As announced, Audi only wants to build combustion engines in China from 2033, otherwise only electric cars.
"The price of electricity in Germany and in Europe may have risen now, but we will not adjust our strategy because of this," said the Audi boss.
(lma/dpa)
